Deafness, EPS8L2-related(EOAD)
Also known as: EPS8L2-related hearing loss · Early-onset adult deafness · EPS8L2-assoziierte Taubheit · Congenital sensorineural deafness EPS8L2
Overview
What it is
This is an inherited form of hearing loss affecting the inner ear, primarily found in Rhodesian Ridgebacks and identified by researchers in 2022. A genetic mutation in the EPS8L2 gene damages the tiny, delicate sensory hair cells in the ear that normally convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. Without these functioning hair cells, the dog's brain cannot receive auditory information.
How it presents
Owners typically notice that the dog stops responding to verbal commands or everyday noises, sleeps very deeply, and startles easily when touched. This condition typically manifests as a progressive loss of hearing starting in early adulthood.
Treatment
There is no medical cure to restore hearing, but dogs adapt well to hand-signal training and proactive safety measures. Lifetime management and initial hearing assessments generally cost between 150 and 600 EUR.
How it's tested
BAER-Hörtest(BAER)
Primary testhearingBrainstem Auditory Evoked Response: objektiver Hörtest, erkennt einseitige und beidseitige Taubheit.
Issuing body: BAER
Result scheme: BAER
Embark Breed + Health Panel(Embark)
DNA testUS-Anbieter; 250+ genetische Erkrankungen + Abstammung. Anerkennung in DE/AT variiert je nach VDH-Verein.
Issuing body: Embark
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
MyDogDNA Panel(MyDogDNA)
DNA testGenoscoper-basiertes Panel (Mars Petcare). 200+ Erkrankungen + Rassenkomposition.
Issuing body: MyDogDNA
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Feragen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Feragen, Österreich) — gleiches Konzept wie Labogen.
Issuing body: Feragen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch)(Labogen-Panel)
DNA testRassespezifisches DNA-Panel (Labogen / Laboklin) — bündelt alle relevanten Erbkrankheiten der Rasse in einem Test.
Issuing body: Labogen
Result scheme: Clear/Carrier/Affected
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Deafness, EPS8L2-related?
This is an inherited form of hearing loss affecting the inner ear, primarily found in Rhodesian Ridgebacks and identified by researchers in 2022. A genetic mutation in the EPS8L2 gene damages the tiny, delicate sensory hair cells in the ear that normally convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. Without these functioning hair cells, the dog's brain cannot receive auditory information.
How is Deafness, EPS8L2-related tested?
Tests currently in our database: BAER-Hörtest, Embark Breed + Health Panel, MyDogDNA Panel, Feragen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch), Labogen Komplettpaket (rassespezifisch).
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.